Greenbelt Community Church

Did the Greenbelt Community Church really host 700 marchers? Here at the Greenbelt Community Church, nestled in the heart of Old Greenbelt, the answer is a resounding yes. This church, a member of the United Church of Christ, opened its doors in 1951. It quickly became a cornerstone of the community. One of the most striking examples of its community involvement occurred in 1968. The Greenbelt Community Church, along with St. Hugh’s Catholic Church, welcomed 700 participants of the Poor People’s March. These marchers were on their way to Washington, D.C. Over 150 volunteers mobilized to provide food, medicine, and cots. This act of service embodies the church’s dedication to social justice. The Greenbelt Community Church has also fostered a remarkable partnership with the Mishkan Torah Synagogue. They even contributed to a new roof and organ repairs for the synagogue. This interfaith collaboration speaks volumes about the community spirit here in Greenbelt. The church has a history of inclusivity. It openly welcomes everyone, especially the LGBTQ community. This is reflected in their Statement of Purpose, which explicitly commits to ending oppression and discrimination. The Greenbelt Community Church also plays an active role in combating hunger. They participate in the SouperBowl of Caring on Super Bowl Sunday. They also host an annual Progressive Dinner. This involves three courses served in three different members’ houses, fostering community bonds and warding off winter’s chill. The church hosts an array of events, from the Labor Day Luncheon on the Lawn to the Blessing of the Animals. They also collaborate with Greenbelt Pottery for the Empty Bowls event, raising money to fight hunger. Even after Pastor Dan Hamlin’s retirement in 2012, the Greenbelt Community Church continues to thrive. It remains a vibrant hub, reflecting the heart and soul of the community.